World’s 10 Most Venomous Snakes

Venomous Snakes are not every ones friend. In fact, snakes are likened to the serpent mentioned in the book of Genesis from the Bible. Problem with this likening is that there are very many different species of snakes hence the assumption remains vague. To some, all snakes are thought to be poisonous or venomous. A snake may be poisonous or venomous. A venomous snake transmits the venom through injection while a poisonous snake transmits the poison through touch or eating. However, most species of snakes are non-venomous. Those that contain venom content use the venom mainly to kill and suppress prey as opposed to self defense.

The venom content in a number of such snakes is strong enough to cause injury such as paralysis or even death to humans within minutes or hours less than a day’s. Venom generally refers to modified saliva which is secreted through fangs. Just like any other salivary secretion, venom acts as a pre-digestant that commences the breakdown of food into soluble compounds hence facilitating apt digestion. Snakes containing venom also fall prey to other creatures such as birds, certain mammals as well as fellow snakes. Such creatures that feed on venomous snakes have resistance as well as immunity to certain venoms.

World’s 10 Most Venomous Snakes

Here’s a list of the world’s 10 most venomous snakes. The list is however in no order of venom content.

1. Black Mamba

This is a very common snake by name and look. Even to those who have never seen it, they are aware that a black mamba does exist somewhere. Found in Africa, the snake is rated as the fastest land snake in the world at a speed of approximately 20km/hr. A single bite by this snake conveys averagely 100-120mg of venom. Such a single bite is said to be enough to kill about 10-25 adults. Its venom is a fast acting neurotoxin. Depending on the nature of the bite, death can result at any time between 15 minutes and 3 hours.